If you’re tired or depressed and you need a good laugh or a good cry, there is a remedy, just tune in to Channel 3 on Monday nights and have a good listen to your City Council meetings.
The last episode of this great drama involved the council issuing an agreement with the administration to contact the state Department of Transportation for information about two possible openings on the arterial for possible future development. There were no plans on the table but what could we offer if there were plans. You know, that’s like calling the code office if you want to erect a fence on your property – “how close to the line? How high can I have it? Or can I have one at all?” That’s pretty simple isn’t it, all you want to be told is what you can do if you may want to put up a fence in the future.
The discussion and vote should have been over within 15 minutes but instead it took two hours. The administrator had to repeat three times what the discussion was about and they could vote as they chose. Well, they did finally vote, 3-2 against the request. No problem with that. I assume they voted their conscience but what does trouble me is the stupidity exhibited by some and the self-interest exhibited by another.
As a constituent of Ward 2, I was offended by our councilman’s action. His continued protective attitude toward this area of the city – his backyard. He was willing to plan for the rest of Westbrook but don’t touch his area, as he said “why bring it up again,” he wants it to go away. I want a councilman to look after my interest but not at the cost of what is best for the city of Westbrook. We do need development and it has become apparent that no matter how hard the administration works to achieve this aim, the council prefers to listen with ear plugs attached, or to others that have their own agenda.
I would like to see this city on the move – it is time – this means the council stops being a duffer and gets moving in a constructive manner, no longer listening to obstructionists who believe they have the answers, yet offer none. Therefore, the city stands still and becomes nothing.
As for traffic issues – traffic is like water, it will find a way to reach its destination. If you keep closing residential streets to accommodate a few, then the whole city will consist of one-way streets. We all would like a nice quiet street with easy access in and out of our driveways, or a safe plan for the kids to ride their bikes, but this is not reality, nor is purchasing a home in an established neighborhood that has been a thru street for over 70-80 years suddenly going to shift because it is distressing to you – admit it – you made the mistake, not the street.
Again, I say, listen to the council meetings and judge for yourself, contact your councilman or councilwoman, they really need your help and advice, if you don’t, you deserve what you get – mediocrity.
Bette Chaplin
Westbrook
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